Treating different types of hearing loss


Question: Are there different types of hearing loss? What are the causes and what are the best methods of treatment?
Answer: There are two major types of hearing loss — sensorineural and conductive.
Sensorineural loss describes the gradual diminishing of hearing commonly associated with aging. This type is usually caused by damage to the microscopic hair cells in the ear. Patients may complain that people seem to mumble or that they hear but don’t understand.
Conductive loss is the result of structural damage to the ear, which may be caused by impacted wax, perforated eardrum, middle ear effusion, otosclerosis, cholesteatoma or congenital anomalies. Patients suffering from conductive loss commonly report that the overall intensity (loudness) of sound is diminished, but sound clarity is usually intact if sufficient volume is present.
Hearing loss can develop over time and is generally caused by exposure to loud noise, family history and the natural aging process. Ototoxic drugs, viral and toxic illnesses or disturbances of fluid in the inner ear may also contribute to hearing problems.
Only five percent of hearing loss in adults can be improved medically or surgically. The vast majority of Americans with hearing loss (95 percent) are treated with hearing aids. Modern technology offers a solution for nearly every patient with mild to severe hearing loss.
If you suspect you have a hearing loss, schedule an evaluation with a Hearing Aid Specialist. Following a diagnostic hearing test, he or she will be able to determine which treatment option is right for you.

David Love is an experienced hearing-aid specialist, skilled in detecting and correcting all types of hearing loss. He is an expert programmer with extensive knowledge of the latest hearing instrument technologies. David and the Audibel Hearing Care Center staff offer patients a full scope of hearing healthcare services and personalized care.
Audibel Hearing Care Center
1695 W. Indiantown Road, Suite 28, 
Jupiter FL 33458
(561) 935-3259
www.AudibelHCC.com